Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch
Description
Combine a unique guided Jeep tour in White Mountains of Crete with panoramic views, traditional Cretan villages, learn the history and the traditions of the Island, and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut. Enjoy the unique view of Chania from above 1350m and meet the wildlife of Crete by the help of our 4x4 Jeeps, driven by expert English speaking escorts.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on an off-road adventure through a valley of orange trees, avocados, and gardens before climbing the White Mountains and exploring traditional Cretan villages. Enjoy a free coffee or mountain tea during a morning break in a serene village away from mass tourism. Travel off-road to the shepherd's hut "Mitato," at 1,350 meters altitude, offering breathtaking views of northern Crete and the chance to spot eagles and wild goats. Learn about the shepherd’s lifestyle and the famed Cretan “Graviera” cheese. On the return journey, savor panoramic views of Chania from above before reaching Therisso village. There, enjoy a hearty meal of Cretan cuisine at a traditional family tavern, complete with warm hospitality and local wine. Conclude the trip with a scenic drive through the Therisso Gorge back to Chania.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your centrally located hotel in Chania or Kalyves.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear comfortable shoes and bring sun screen and your camera
- Maximum capacity for each vehicle of 8 adults
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Child seats are available; please request them at time of booking
- Individuals taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find the trip challenging
Reviews(51)
You cannot go wrong climbing into the mountains in a Land Rover Defender. The views were stunning. Our driver, Domenic, was friendly and informative and made sure everybody was happy and having an enjoyable time. Some in the group were scared of the sheer drops at the sides at times, but even they agreed they had a good time.
Dear Chris, Thank you very much for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the mountain route, the views up there really are something special. It’s also great to know that Domenic made such a positive impression with his friendly and informative approach, while making sure everyone in the group felt comfortable and included. We understand that some parts of the drive can feel a bit adventurous, so we’re especially glad to hear that even those who were a little nervous still ended up having a good time. We hope to see you again on another adventure in Crete!
Very cool fun way to see Crete. The guide Ari was so informative and the food was wonderful! If you want to see Crete do this tour!!!
Fabulous tour to see a part of Crete that is off the beaten path. Stopped to look at olive processing, off the regular road and up to a shepherds hut, scenic views, fresh oranges and more. Olga is a wonderful guide with a great sense of humor, knowledgeable and a safe driver. Lunch at the local restaurant was a real treat.
Promised a local guide but ended up with an American who knew very little about Crete history, flora and fauna, environmental challenges. We learnt very little. We tried to ask him questions but he was polite but not at all friendly. The second guide was English and equally had no passion about Crete. ............................................................... Billed as an off road experience. We drove up regular roads and then on to a well maintained track. No excitement to be had. The picture and words on their website suggests otherwise. .......................................................... Meant to see great views but couldn't see very much crammed in the middle seat at the back. My husband had very little legroom behind the driver. The only person who got to see the views was the front seat passenger, and the driver. We hardly stopped on the long drive so not able to enjoy many views. In fact was firmly told 'No', when I wanted to get out of the vehicle. ................................................................ At one of the few stops, we visited a pair of churches, neither of which were open so we couldn't to see what the guide tried to tell us about it. Classic comment to sum up the commentary and depth of knowledge, 'Now, that church has many stories to tell', but then no stories were forthcoming. And we passed said church in seconds unable to see it. ..................................................................... . Vehicles were a bit dodgy. The one in front poured out smoke and only had one brake light working. The driver couldn't get it to go up a steeper section. Our vehicle, the AC wasn't working properly in the back, and it was a hot day. The suspension suddenly went driving along the main road. ......................................................................... . There was no water provided. Not sure what we would have done if the vehicles had broken down. . The guide 'bigged up' the shepherd's hut and said that we would be meeting the shepherd at lunch time so could ask him questions about life on the mountain. The shepherd wasn't there and his son didn't speak a word of English. ..................... In all, a very disappointing tour.
Dear Elizabeth, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the excursion did not meet your expectations. We would, however, like to clarify that one of the participants from your booking sat in the front seat and later declined to rotate with the other guests, as is our standard practice to ensure everyone enjoys the views equally. The itinerary and guiding service were carried out as usual, following our regular program and quality standards. Our guides are local residents of Crete who know the island and its traditions well, and during the visit to the shepherd’s area, they assist with translation whenever needed. We always appreciate our guests’ comments, as they help us further improve our excursions and services.
Great way to experience the non-resort and beach side of Chania and Crete overall. We enjoyed seeing the mountains, goats, sheep, learning all about Cretan agriculture and farming practices (especially the shepherding), and seeing Chania from above. Docking a point for convenience/comfort -- the 4x4 ride in the mountains is really really bumpy and winding and as we were sitting in the very back, we were jostled a lot
Dear Phil, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're glad you enjoyed exploring the mountainous side of Chania and learning about Cretan farming and shepherding traditions—it's a truly beautiful and authentic part of Crete that many visitors miss. We understand the 4x4 ride can be a bit rough, especially in the back seats, and we appreciate your honest feedback. Your insights help future guests know what to expect. We hope you'll join us again for another Cretan Holidays excursion to discover even more of the island’s hidden gems!
Was just like the rest of the reviews say, an absolute blast from start to finish! It is a very comprehensive itinerary and they pack a lot in for the day! The tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable, which makes it a no brainer. Don't look any further, just book it! A special thanks to our lovely toure guide, Louise, she was epic!
Dear Bhrat_J, Thank you for your enthusiastic feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the full day itinerary and found the guides so friendly and knowledgeable. It’s wonderful that Louise helped make the experience even more memorable.
Very capable and competent tour guides gave us a wonderful tour of the White Mountains. Meeting and speaking with a traditional shepherd gave a fascinating insight into a fast disappearing lifestyle. We thoroughly recommend this.
Dear Anthony, Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted you enjoyed this beautiful excursion through the White Mountains. Meeting a traditional shepherd truly adds something special to the experience. We’d love to see you again on another Cretan Holidays excursion!
Very comfortable land rovers. The driver was also a great guide. We went up on roads you won't find on Google maps
Dear Peter, Thank you for your great review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the comfort of our Land Rovers and that your driver provided such a memorable experience, taking you to hidden spots off the beaten path. We hope to have the pleasure of showing you more of Greece on your next adventure!
Amazing day out must do beautiful place breathtaking views little villages lovely food at stop tour guild Gianni a wold of knowledge very friendly polite fun could listen to him all day excellent all round day thankyou
Dear Peter, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you had an amazing day filled with beautiful sights, charming villages, and delicious food. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the tour so much! We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future!
Very friendly welcome and lots of information about the island. We immediately felt welcome. Thank you.
Dear Ralf, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you felt welcomed and appreciated the information about the island. Creating a friendly atmosphere is important to us, and it’s great to know we succeeded. We hope to see you again on another beautiful excursion!
